First-ever PDRL World Cup to be held during next year’s showpiece tournament

The Rugby League World Cup 2021 has confirmed the details regarding the first-ever Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup.

The PDRL World Cup, an exhibition event, will be held during next year’s showpiece event in England.

The five-team tournament will be hosted in Warrington from November 1, 2021, and will be a festival of international PDRL.

The event will culminate with the final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium ahead of France v Samoa in the final men’s group A match, on November 7, 2021.

The PDRL event was originally planned under the banner of the Festival of World Cups, which was due to take place in the summer of 2021, but the Festival was recently postponed because of the impact of COVID-19.

RLWC2021 have announced delivering the PDRL World Cup as part of the wider programme of the tournament, adding to the commitment of being the most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever.

The PDRL World Cup comprises teams from five nations who will take part in a mini-tournament format – England, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and Wales.

RLWC2021 Chief Executive Jon Dutton said: “We are delighted that we can still deliver this first-ever PDRL World Cup alongside the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions in what will certainly be the biggest, best and importantly most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in history.

“The action will be intense, and the final being staged at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium before the France v Samoa game ensures not only a big crowd but also a fitting finale to this tournament. Although we are sad that the Festival of World Cups has understandably been postponed, we are proud that we can stage the PDRL World Cup.”

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